MR. O'BRIENasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether his attention has been called to the proceedings at the last Tipperary Petty Sessions, in reference to the charge against a herdsman named Michael Burke, in the employment of Mr. P. H. Massey, J.P.; Whether it was proved that Burke fired a revolver shot at three young men on the public road, without provocation; that he then proceeded, in a state of furious intoxication, to a neighbouring gate-lodge, where an old woman was standing with a baby in her arms, and discharged another revolver shot towards the public road, challenging anybody there to fight him; and that, when pursued by Constable Garry, he dropped on his knee, presented his revolver at the constable, and swore that if he stirred a step he would let daylight through him; whether, notwithstanding the evidence to this effect, a majority of the magistrates refused Sergeant Jack's application to have him remanded to the Bansha Petty Sessions, for the production of further evidence, and directed him only to be charged with drunkenness, and with having discharged loaded firearms on the public road; whether the President Magistrate, Mr. Meldon, dissented from their ruling, and was in favour of returning Burke for trial to the assizes for shooting at the person with intent to kill; whether any notice will be taken 989 of the conduct of the magistrates; whether Burke was awarded £130 compensation, under the Prevention of Crime Act, for an assault alleged to have been committed upon him, although he had not been confined to bed, and no doctor had visited him; whether that amount will now be levied; and, whether Burke will be deprived of his licence for carrying firearms?
§ MR. TREVELYANThis case is at present before the Attorney General for directions as to whether the circumstances are such as to make it proper that further proceedings should be taken. I cannot, therefore, at present, make airy statement as to the details of the charge against Michael Burke. With regard to the award of compensation to him under the Prevention of Crime Act, the facts are, that about two years ago he was attacked and beaten about the head—the motive for the outrage being that he remained in the employment of a gentleman who was "Boycotted" for giving a site for a Constabulary hut. I am advised that circumstances connected with the charge now made against him could not be held to be a reason for withholding the compensation legally awarded to him. The question whether Burke's licence should be revoked will be considered by the Lord Lieutenant.